What next?

We've put up two different tutorials for working with the Hacker Boards. First, there's a basic app that covers everything that's required for an Arduino app that can run on the Hacker Boards, using the onboard RGB LEDs. Then, there's a tutorial covering the basics of using WiFi on the ESP8266 board that is on the Hacker Boards. Then, we have a bunch of resources for ways to use the ESP8266, including a link to a resource for using it as a web server!

What about the Hacker Boards from previous MHacks?

The MHacks: Refactor, MHacks 8, and MHacks 9 Hacker Boards are the same as the MHacks X Hacker Boards, except that the Refactor boards are purple, and the MHacks 8, 9, and X boards are black. The color is determined by a layer on the board called the "soldermask", which helps machines place and solder components on the board, and can be one of a variety of colors. All of this documentation will apply to them too!

How did this happen?

This project has been over a year in the making, having survived many different changes in fundamental goals, people on the team, and budget cuts. Originally inspired by the awesome BoilerMake 2014 Badges, we've brought a similar idea to MHacks: a beginner-friendly, interesting piece of hardware available to everyone attending the event. It was first at MHacks: Refactor, and we bring them back every MHacks.